Exports from the Netherlands to Britain fell by 21% last year, when compared to the pre-coronavirus year of 2019, but the decline was entirely due to the downturn in re-exports, according to new figures from national statistics office CBS.

The export of goods which originated in the Netherlands itself actually rose 20%, but this was offset by the 50% drop in re-exports of food and machinery which was produced elsewhere, the CBS said.

The Netherlands also provided 13% more services, such as communications, legal services and accounting, to the UK, when compared with 2019.

The downturn in re-exports is due to Brexit, which means Britain is now importing more goods such as clothing and medicine directly, according to the Netherlands British Chamber of Commerce, which facilitates trade between the two countries.

In total, Dutch exports to the UK fell to €40.5 billion.

The export of computers and specialist machinery made in the Netherlands rose, as did the sale of flowers and plants. The export of fuel such as diesel and kerosin fell in terms of volume but rose in value.

Britain remains the Netherlands’ third most important export destination, behind Germany and Belgium.